Kenyans dominate 2013 TCS World 10K

The overall men’s winners of the TCS World 10K Bangalore, 2013 (L-R) 1st runner-up Nicholas Kipkemboi, winner Alex Oloitiptip and 2nd runner-up Birhanu Legese along with dignitaries (L-R) Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri Siddaramaiah, N Ganapathy Subramaniam, President, Products & Head Bangalore Operations, TCS, Mr Nagraj (TCS Event Coordinator) and Dr. Somashekar, IAS, Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of Karnataka.

Over 20,000 people of various age groups participated in the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bangalore 2013, which was dominated by the Kenyans at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here, on Sunday.

Alex Oloitiptip and Gladys Cherono won the overall men’s and women’s titles respectively in contrasting weather conditions. Though the late night showers on Saturday had cooled temperatures a bit, humidity was high.

23-year-old Oloitiptip, who came second last year round, held off challenges from fellow Kenyan Nicholas Kipkemboi and Ethiopian youngster Brihanu Legese to win in 28.07 minutes. He was followed home by Kipkemboi in 28.12 and Legese in 28.16.

“It was fantastic win for me,” Oloitiptip said. “I had faith in my ability and believed that I could win the run. The first 5 kilometers were difficult and the conditions were humid but the fact that I was strong and well prepared in mind and body helped me do well,” he added.

The women’s race, which was run in relatively hotter conditions, was more fiercely contested. Kenyan Cherono was only 5 seconds short of the course record of 31.58, set by Yimer Wude in 2010 as she finished the race in 32.03 minutes. She was followed home by Ethiopian Guteni Shone in 32.10 and Kenyan Esther Chemtai in 32.14.

“The run was my first in India and I am glad with my performance,” an elated Cherono said. “The weather was humid, which made running a little challenging personally. The run was slow initially but became a lot faster later. I am glad that I overcame the odds and came out victorious. I had a small lead when we entered the stadium and decided to move faster and hold on to my position,” she added.

The overall male and female winners took home USD 21,000 each, with the second and third-placed runners winning 15,000 USD and 9,000 USD each respectively. The winners were honoured by State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Suresh Patel and Sudha Singh emerged winners among the men and women in the Indian category, finishing overall 20^th and 14^th respectively.

Patel, employed with ONGC, clocked 30.34, way outside the Indian men’s course record of 29.59, and was followed home by V L Dangi in 30.53 and Mohd Yunus in 30.58.

The women’s race was won by the Railways athlete Sudha Singh in 35.25. Preeja Sreedharan took second place in 36.01 and O P Jaisha third in 36.31.

The CEO 400m Dash that featured 11 Corporate Cares teams (companies who are supporting and raising funds for their chosen NGOs) was won by Rakesh Singh, CEO, Citrix Systems. He was closely followed home by Vaishali Kasture, MD, Goldman Sachs, who finished first in her age category of the Open 10K.

The Nation’s Challenge saw Uttar Pradesh, represented by Sudha Singh, Suresh Patel and Mohd Yunus emerge winners and take home a purse of Rs 4.5 lakhs. Maharashtra and Kerala made up the podium places.

The other races on the day were the Majja Run, Champions with Disability and the Senior Citizens Run.

The results:

Overall Elite Men: 1. Alex Oloitiptip (KEN) 00:28:07; 2. Nicholas Kipkemboi (KEN) 00:28:12; 3. Birhanu Legese (ETH) 00:28:16.

Overall Elite women: 1. Gladys Cherono (KEN) 00:32:03; 2. Guteni Shone (ETH) 00:32:10; 3. Esther Chemtai (KEN) 00.32.14.

Indian Men: 1. Suresh K.R. Patel 00:30:34L 2. V.L. Dangi 00:30:53; 2. Mohd. Yunus 00:30:58; 3. Indrajeet Patel 00:31:20.

Indian Women: 1. Sudha Singh 00:35:25; 2. Preeja Sreedharan 00:36:01; 3. O.P. Jaisha 00:36:31.

Nations Challenge: 1. Uttar Pradesh (Sudha Singh, Mohammed Yunus, Suresh K.R. Patel) 01:36:56; 2. Maharashtra (V.L. Dangi, Man Singh, Lalita Babbar) 01:39:18; 3. Kerala (Arjun Pradhan, O. Sonaton Singh, Preeja Sreedharan) 01:39:58.